Humbug, you say? Not at the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party. This festival is a sure tonic for the holiday blahs. On weekends from Nov. 19-20 through Dec. 17-18 (plus the Friday after Thanksgiving), the Cow Palace in Daly City will be transformed by 750 costumed characters into Charles Dickens’ London, with music stages (both proper and bawdy), pubs, shops, traditional food and tea. Kids will find parades, puppets, crafts and more. Tickets, $14-$30 (kids 5-12 get in free on Sunday, Nov. 27); parking, $12, or take the free shuttle from Glen Park BART station. Schedule, discount offers at www.dickensfair.com.

If BottleRock Napa’s not on your agenda, not to worry: The Bay Area's holiday weekend is packed with festivals. Find times, details, admission prices on our big festivals guide at www.mercurynews.com/entertainment. Family: The Bay Area KidFest runs all three days this holiday weekend -- Friday, Saturday and Memorial Day -- at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord. The San Ramon...